MT. VERNON, Ill.-GSM technology supporters claimed a victory as rural cellular provider First Cellular of Southern Illinois signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Ericsson to overlay its existing CDMA network with GSM/GPRS technology.
The agreement calls for Ericsson to deploy a complete EDGE-ready, GSM/GPRS network throughout First Cellular’s coverage area in southern Illinois, including installation, engineering, testing, program management support and optimization services.
“We believe advanced services are important to rural America, and First Cellular is pleased to be working with Ericsson in delivering those services to our customers,” said Terry Addington, president and chief executive officer of First Cellular.
Industry analysts have noted rural operators are being forced to select technology paths in an attempt to offer advanced services to their customers, as well as match the technology paths of their nationwide roaming partners.
